Good morning, dear ones!
I’m happily writing you today from an astonishingly tidy house. It was the scene of much mayhem this weekend as I decided the time had come to rearrange everything and make my apartment more conducive to hospitality and creativity. As you can imagine, such a venture resulted in utter disarray and chaos before order was restored, but it was worth it!!
Mums came over and helped me with the heavy bits and we got it set up just right. Then I parked myself among the stacks of papers, piles of boxes and mounds of who-knows-what-all to have a think. I’ve been stressed and overwhelmed lately, and it was time to settle down, be still, and work out a plan.
Gorgeous flowers on Mum’s table.
It was so good for me. Taking those hours to think through my life, goals, hopes, frustrations, talents, weaknesses, knowledge, ignorance, fears, bravery. I still have some things to sort through, I think I always will, but today I feel purposeful instead of harried, focused rather than distracted, peaceful not flustered.
I have a plan, it’s a good plan, and, as a dear friend always tells me, “if you change your mind tomorrow, that will be good too.” Yes it will. 🙂
I did a lot of cooking this weekend, some complicated, new recipes and other simple, stand-by dishes like Chiffonade Lime Brussels Sprouts. I first made it several years ago when I was trying to incorporate more vegetarian dishes into my diet, and it quickly became a favorite.
I was used to eating Brussels Sprouts whole, so I thought this Chiffonade version would be an interesting change. Chiffonade refers to stacking leafy herbs or greens, rolling them tightly, then slicing the roll thinly into little strips. Since Brussels Sprouts are naturally tightly layered, it is quick work to cut them in half then into small strips. I love how some of the strips get caramelized in the butter and lime – mmm. It’s not a pretty dish, but is healthy, fortifying and tasty.
What is one thing you do to stay stress-free and organized, my friends?
This is my contribution to Chaya’s Meatless Mondays. Pop over and discover other vegetarian dishes.
Chiffonade Lime Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
2 cups Brussels Sprouts, trimmed and washed
3-4 Tbsp butter
2 limes, juiced
Salt and pepper
Directions:
- Cut each sprout in half, then cut in narrow strips.
- Melt butter in saucepan and add sprout strips. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring often, until sprouts begin to brown. Stir in lime juice and remove from heat. Serve warm.
I like this idea of a natural chiffonade. And I’d never think to add lime juice to brussel sprouts! Good stuff. xxSAS
Thanks, Sarah! 🙂 The lime juice and butter work wonders on these babies. 🙂
cannot tell you’ve been stressed by the beautiful pictures you’ve been taking krista, but art and seeing are another way to organize and calm the mind – i think you know that already! hope the organizing day has long-lasting benefits. i seem to constantly be needing one and having one and then needing one again! but that’s what happens when you have a house and not just an apartment! (sad but true!) cheers! and will you be getting access to those blackberries eventually? can’t wait to see what you do with them!
You are so right, Paradis! Art and creativity save my sanity. 🙂 I’m feeling the benefits of all this organization already. I’m finding what works for ME instead of what works in general and it feels good. 🙂 Yes!! I will get to pick blackberries!!! Cannot wait!
I love the idea of changing the shape of the brussels sprouts. Why are both brussels and sprouts pluralized? This will make a delightful simple comforting side dish. Thanks for linking it to My Meatless Mondays.
If you are bored, I know someone, no names, who could use some organizational help. I am pulling rooms apart because school is over and I can accomplish something. I happen to enjoy this because I see progress and I function better in an organized area.
I don’t remember. Did you get to the giveaway? I sort of think so but I am not sure. If not, get over to My Sweet and Savory and get your name in. I would love to see you win.
I don’t think people adore brussel sprouts enough! They’re such lovely little things.
I wish I could get Roberto to fall in love with brussels sprouts. I do love them.
I have no idea why they’re both pluralized, Chaya. I checked and double-checked before I posted, and that’s what the “experts” did, so…who knows. 🙂
Ohhh good! I will touch base with you about organizing asap. 🙂
I’ve never done a chiffonade with Brussels sprouts, and I love the idea and look of it! So easy!
Glad to hear your weekend was so productive. What a great feeling. Stress-busters for me include blogging and yoga. Except when I create my own pressure to post, and the experience becomes a task rather than a pleasure. Blogging is a creative outlet for me, but there are times when I need to let it slide for a few days and not feel obligated to “turn the wheel”. Yoga is such a good fit for me. I bring it to the mat … and stress melts away.
But staying organized? I really need to see things written down or details just seem to escape. In my last job, I worked for five years in an office where I was accountable for organizing the schedule of three professionals, and their clients, in 20 minute segments all bloody day long. My own life was far less organized and I think I began to rebel internally against the over-structuring of it all. Nowadays, a day off with “no plan” is the best possible plan for me!
Three cheers for organization, and just the right amount of disorganization! xx
I sure did enter, Chaya! 🙂 But I’ll double-check to make sure it went through. 🙂
I agree completely, Duchess. I’m such a big fan. 🙂
Oh, I hope you can, Tracy! They’re such lovely little things. 🙂
It really is easy, Jacqueline! One of the reasons I love it so much. 🙂
I love what you said about blogging. Funny how it can be both stress-relieving and stress-building, eh? So good that you can step away for breaks without guilt. I’m learning that. 🙂
You are so right about organization. It MUST be flexible AND able to be tossed to the wind on occasions or it becomes bondage instead of freedom. Three cheers with you, my friend! 🙂
Healthy, delicious, and simple to make as well. Love those pretty flowers too.
Hey i think ur posts aint updating in my reader, dats coz u changed ur web domain is it?
Loving watchn ur Large pics…they are cool!!
And there is so muc deliciousness with natural beauty here!!
HAve a happy day!!!
Hey i think ur posts aint updating in my reader, dats coz u changed ur web domain is it?
Loving watchn ur Large pics…they are cool!!
And there is so muc deliciousness with natural beauty here!!
HAve a happy day!!!
Usually when I’m really stressed out it means I need to clean my room or do laundry. I find that an insanely messy room drives me nuts.
I also bake. Incessantly. That helps to calm my nerves.
I’m glad to hear you reorganized this weekend! Sometimes that alone can do wonders.
The brussels sprouts look amazing! I’m a sucker for green dishes.
I’m glad that you are finding some quite time for yourself. Sometimes peace of mind, as simple as the concept sounds, can be very difficult to attain. When we have it, it needs to be relished.
Even though I’m not a fan of Brussels sprouts, I have to admit that this recipes looks quite tempting!
The recipe looks delicious and your flower photographs are so pretty!!
Thank you, Elra. 🙂 Those flowers delight me too.
Hi dear Mia! Yes – that must be the problem. Just delete the old feed and re-add my link and it should work dandy. 🙂 I AM having a happy day, thanks! 🙂
Oh Joanne, I’m totally the same way! I’m not a neat freak but tidiness keeps me sane. 🙂
Me too, Valerie. Taking time to rest and be still and just think was the best medicine. 🙂
Thank you, Megan! I’m so glad the flowers delight you too. 🙂
That dish sounds and looks fantastic! What an unusual combination!
Cheers,
Rosa
It is unusual, Rosa, but so tasty. 🙂